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Record Unit 338,
National Air and Space Museum, Office of the Director,
NASM Files, circa 1972-1989

These records provide documentation on the development of NASM after the huge success of its 1976 opening. The emphasis of the Museum's administration turned to revitalization of research efforts, professionalization of the staff, initiation of new projects and new exhibitions, an expanded program of publications, and plans to build both a new restaurant and an extension of the Museum at Dulles Airport.

The records primarily document the tenure of Walter J. Boyne as Acting Director and Director of NASM, 1982-1986, with small amounts of material pertaining to Michael Collins, Noel W. Hinners, James C. Tyler, Donald S. Lopez, and Martin O. Harwit. Also included are some records created by Boyne as Executive Officer, 1978-1979, Assistant Director for Resource Management and Operations, 1980, and Assistant Director, 1981.

Historical Note

Michael Collins was the Director, National Air and Space Museum (NASM), 1971-1978. Melvin B. Zisfein held the position of Acting Director until 1979 when Noel W. Hinners
assumed the directorship, serving until 1982. Walter J. Boyne was named Acting Director in 1982 and Director in 1983. Upon Boyne's resignation in 1986, James C. Tyler became
Acting Director. Martin O. Harwit served as Director, 1987-1995.

Descriptive Entry

These records provide documentation of the development of NASM as it built on the huge success of its 1976 opening. The emphasis of the museum's administration turned
to revitalization of research efforts, professionalization of the staff, initiation of new projects and new exhibitions, an expanded program of publications, and plans to
build both a new restaurant and an extension of the museum at Dulles airport.

The records primarily document the tenure of Walter J. Boyne as Acting Director and Director of NASM, 1982-1986, with small amounts of material of Michael Collins, Noel
W. Hinners, James C. Tyler, Donald S. Lopez, and Martin O. Harwit. Also included are some records created by Boyne as Executive Officer, 1978-1979, Assistant Director for
Resource Management and Operations, 1980, and Assistant Director, 1981.

Index Terms

This collection is indexed under the following access terms. These are links to collections
with related topics, persons or places.